248 ReviewsHow Can a Bicycle Accident Attorney Help?
A bicycle accident attorney at Friedland & Associates will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the accident to establish whether the driver’s negligence led to the collision. Demonstrating liability is essential for pursuing compensation beyond the limitations of no-fault insurance.
Evaluating Damages
A bicycle accident attorney on our legal team will assess the full extent of your damages, considering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and any potential long-term effects of the injuries. This evaluation helps ensure that you seek compensation that accurately reflects your losses.
Pursuing Third-Party Claims
While no-fault insurance typically covers medical expenses and lost wages, it may not adequately address all the damages suffered by the victim. An attorney can identify opportunities to pursue third-party claims against the at-fault driver’s liability insurance to seek compensation beyond what no-fault insurance offers.
Meeting Threshold Requirements
Some no-fault states have thresholds that must be met before a victim can pursue a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An attorney on our legal team understands these requirements and can guide you in meeting them, ensuring that the case progresses toward pursuing additional compensation.
Filing a Lawsuit if Necessary
If your injuries exceed the limitations of no-fault insurance or if the threshold requirements are met, an attorney can help you file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. This legal action seeks compensation for damages that extend beyond the scope of no-fault coverage.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize compensation or deny claims. A bicycle accident attorney at Friedland & Associates is skilled in negotiating with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement that considers your injuries and losses.
What Kind Of Compensation Am I Entitled to After a Bike Collision?
When a cyclist is involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the resulting injuries can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Bicycle accident victims are entitled to seek compensation for various types of damages that encompass the wide-ranging impact of the incident on their lives.
The types of damages that you may be entitled to pursue include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of future earnings
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
What Are the Common Causes of Bike Accidents?
Some of the most common causes of bike accidents include:
- One of the leading causes of bicycle accidents is driver negligence. This includes distracted driving, where drivers engage in activities such as texting, talking on the phone, or adjusting their GPS while operating their vehicles. When drivers fail to pay full attention to the road, they may not notice cyclists in their vicinity, leading to collisions.
- Failure to yield the right-of-way is another common cause of bicycle accidents. This occurs when motorists don’t yield to cyclists at intersections or when turning. Cyclists may be hit while proceeding through intersections, especially when drivers fail to acknowledge their presence or misjudge their speed.
- Dooring incidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door into the path of an oncoming cyclist. This unexpected obstacle can lead to serious accidents, often causing the cyclist to collide with the door or swerve into traffic to avoid it.
- Both cyclists and motorists are expected to adhere to road safety rules. Cyclists who disregard traffic signals or ride against traffic flow increase the risk of accidents. Similarly, motorists who ignore designated bike lanes or fail to provide cyclists with sufficient space contribute to unsafe conditions.
- Drivers who are fatigued or under the influence of alcohol or drugs are less likely to react quickly to their surroundings. Impaired or drowsy driving can result in a failure to notice cyclists, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Poorly designed or maintained roads, lack of proper signage, and absence of designated bike lanes can create hazardous conditions for cyclists. Uneven surfaces, potholes, and debris on the road can lead to accidents and injuries.
- Reckless driving behaviors such as speeding, aggressive maneuvers, and tailgating can endanger cyclists on the road. Quick and unexpected movements by drivers may leave cyclists with limited time to react and avoid collisions.
- Bicyclists who ride too close to parked cars are at risk of door zone accidents. If a driver suddenly opens their car door, a cyclist may not have enough time to avoid colliding with the door.
- Some drivers may simply lack awareness of cyclists on the road. Cyclists can be less visible than larger vehicles, especially in certain weather conditions or during the night. Drivers who fail to acknowledge cyclists’ presence may inadvertently cause accidents.
What Are the Common Injuries Cyclists Sustain When Struck By a Motor Vehicle?
The collision between a cyclist and a vehicle can result in a range of injuries, often leaving a lasting impact on the physical and emotional well-being of the cyclist. These injuries vary in severity and can have significant implications for recovery and quality of life.
Common bike accident injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Back injuries
- Road rash
- Soft tissue injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of limb
Recovery from these injuries often requires extensive medical care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing therapy.
Contact Us Today!
At Friedland & Associates, we offer free consultations to discuss your case with an experienced bicycle accident lawyer. This provides an opportunity for us to understand the details of your accident and provide initial guidance on your legal options
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation and let us stand by your side as you seek the compensation you deserve
